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TOY

Unique ID:SWYOR-63B1E8

Object type certainty: Possibly
Workflow
status: Published

A probably Post Medieval silver, sheet metal ornament or toy in the form of an owl. The object is made from two pieces of sheet silver, one depicting the front of the owl and its perch, and the other depicting the folded wings on the back. The two pieces are sandwiched together, though they have become separated at the top. There is no evidence of further elements or attachment, though it is possible another piece of metal was held between the decorated ones at the head end. The object appears to be complete, leaving its function a mystery. Michael Lewis (British Museum) suggests that it could be 18th or 19th century. No close parallels have been found, but reference can be made to lead alloy examples of owl figurines such as IOW-9F69C2 and LVPL-555B72 which are thought to be related to shycocks. The owl is 22.6mm long, 13mm wide and 0.9mm thick (1.7mm at the head where the pieces have separated). 0.98g.

Notes:

Since it is probably less than 300 years old, this find does not meet the requirements of the 1996 Treasure Act and is considered to be Not Treasure.

Class:
Owl

Subsequent actions

Subsequent action after recording: Returned to finder after being declared not Treasure

Find number: CORN-0669B0Object type: FIGURINEBroadperiod: MEDIEVALCast lead figurine of a bird in flight with a flat base, suggesting that it may be a weight or a fancy form of shy cock, perhaps based on some…Workflow: Awaiting validation